Ely songwriter Sue Gilmurray is encouraging choirs and groups everywhere to sing for peace as the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War approaches.

A collection of 14 songs have been compiled by The Movement for the Abolition of War, of which Sue is a member.

Sue, of Wilford Drive, has been a songwriter and a choral singer at St Mary’s Church for many years and has led the work on the collection of songs, which have been arranged for choral singing.

Seven songs are by Sue and the other seven by other writers who have given their permission for the scores to be used for the project.

Sue said: “Some of the songs have a stronger note of protest than others, but all should steer singers and listeners in the direction of peace. We are encouraging people to add their voices – as singers – to the call for peace in this significant year.”

Singers, including Sue and Heather Speight, also from the movement, have recorded audio extracts under the guidance of Bob Gilmurray, to show how the songs sound in performance.

Sue adds: “It would be wonderful if people could learn and sing them during this important year.”

Music and lyrics of the songs are now available online at www.abolishwar.org.uk/ or you can listen to audio extracts on Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/songsfor2014